Sen. Fischer Unveils Infrastructure Funding Proposal
Legislation that would transfer revenue into the federal Highway Trust Fund from U.S. Customs and Border Protection was unveiled this week by the top trucking authorizer in the Senate, a move aimed at addressing the country’s outdated and deficient transportation network.
The bill sponsored by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) would propose depositing $21.4 billion annually for five years into the trust fund starting on Oct. 1, 2020. The federal highway account’s funding authority expires by then.
The legislation also would establish a voluntary remittance agreement plan between states and the Federal Highway Administration. Under the agreements, states would be able to exchange part of their federal highway funds for more control over highway projects.
“Funding challenges and the burdensome federal regulatory approval process have delayed infrastructure projects across America for decades,” Fischer, chairwoman of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee, said Feb. 1.
The legislation, titled Build USA Infrastructure Act, is a “responsible, forward-looking proposal to strengthen roads, bridges and highways for the benefit of the American families and workers who use them every day,” Fischer added.
The legislation was referred to committee for review.
